Hi guys! Thanks so much for reading the last chapter and reviewing! Loved reading some of the feedback!

To address one guest reader: Thanks for asking why I wrote Naruto as a strategist. I can understand why it would seem odd, or OOC for him. It is true that Sasuke is generally more intelligent and observant than Naruto, I agree with that fact - and I think that it's been in debate in the Naruto fandom since the beginning of time whether or not Naruto is dumb and brash vs. intelligent. I could go into depth about this or that and examples of each, but for the context of the story, I couldn't exactly have Sasuke plot and lead his own escape in a place that he was a complete stranger. In doing so, I feel that he would have to force Naruto and Sakura into the plan, which would completely negate any character growth that has transpired for him thus far. Naruto was brash in thinking of breaking him out of prison in the first place. He had some sort of plan, but not down to minute details, as Shikamaru, Sakura, or Sasuke may have characteristically planned. Also, they are older in this fiction. I am taking some of his character traits from Naruto: The Last, as well as Boruto. I am not sure if you are familiar with either, or up to date, but actually in the latest manga chapters of Boruto, we do see Naruto strategize against his opponent in order to get information, and ultimately defeat them. There are a lot of dynamic shifts going on with Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto at this point in the story, so things will change as Sasuke continues to overcome the lies he's just learned, and Sakura becomes more confident. Thanks for reading, anon. I still hope you will continue to follow along and finish the story.

To address another guest reader: Thank you so much for reviewing, and I really do appreciate the constructive criticism! I definitely don't take offense to it, and truthfully it is probably something that I just haven't thought of in terms of the delivery of the dialogue… I skim the previous chapters to try and prevent plot inconsistencies, but I must admit that I am not quite that detailed… This story has taken me months to write, so I can be forgetful. At some point, I may go back and edit those kinds of details. Thanks so much for the review!

Chapter XIV: The Safety of Refuge

Enter into the unknown

Lost connections rekindled

With new paths forged

We face our fears

"There! We move past the border and keep going!" Naruto shouted. The daylight had quickly turned to dusk as night began to quickly approach. Everything was so loud around them - the echo of clashing metal, men grunting in their rushed effort towards the scene that Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke had just escaped, and the sound of loud hooves from horses that trampled the earth as they were led by their riders.

Sakura could feel the burn in her lungs as her body desperately demanded oxygen from the exertion of her sprinting. Her legs were on fire, and it seemed that her adrenaline did little to numb it. She couldn't stop, wouldn't stop - not when they were so close to escaping.

She just kept moving forward, just trying to keep pace with Naruto and Sasuke. Naruto had pushed on ahead, gaining a little distance between them, but Sakura noticed that Sasuke had not, despite the fact that she was well aware that he could easily outrun her.

"Naruto! What will getting past the border do?!" Sasuke yelled, causing Sakura to slightly flinch at his unexpected, demanding inquiry.

"They won't go past the border - not to the North." Naruto shot back. It wasn't much of an explanation, but Sakura was sure that Naruto would answer it later. Naruto hadn't given much details at all in terms of finer expectations of their escape, and it was obvious that this bothered Sasuke - after all, he had a reputation when it came to strategy that had earned him the description of ruthless.

Suddenly, the sound of hooves seemed to become louder. Sakura wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but the idea of looking back scared her. What if they were being pursued? There was no way that they could outrun horses!

"Don't look back," Sasuke growled, as if reading her mind. "Keep going!"

Sakura did as she was told, but Sasuke's words confirmed her suspicion.

"The border! Shit, we didn't go far enough to the NorthEast. There's a steep downhill on this side. If we get down it though, we will make it!" Naruto shouted.

Sakura's eyes widened, trying to register what Naruto had just said, and it wasn't until it seemed that Naruto just disappeared from her view that she fully comprehended what he meant.

The sound of something whizzing past her ear almost deafened her. Sakura was now at the edge of the drop that Naruto had described. More sounds of something whistling through the air added to the noise of the evening, and the sound of slicing metal resounded behind her. She hadn't realized that she had stopped in place, and that it was Sasuke who had drawn his katana, slashing away the oncoming assault of arrows.

"They're aiming at me, go." Sasuke growled, turning his attention to Sakura momentarily. It was clear that he was irritation, probably frustrated at her hesitance. Sakura was about to open her mouth to say something, when suddenly another arrow came whizzing to her left.

Everything that happened next happened in a blur. Suddenly Sakura felt herself launched from the ground, followed by tumbling. Everything was spinning, and the sound of cracking twigs sounded, muffled grunts and the smell of dust filled her senses.

Suddenly, it all stopped. Sakura could feel the sting of impacts and cuts on her legs and arms, impacts that she was sure would turn to bruises later. She groaned, dizzy from whatever had just happened but realized quickly that she was half laying on something warm.

Her vision focusing, she realized that she was laying atop Sasuke. Immediately she scrambled to get herself off, quickly piecing together what must have happened. Sasuke must have pushed them both out of the way of the arrow, and they must have gone tumbling down the hill. Had he attempted to protect her on the way down? Did he take the brunt of the impacts?

She wasn't sure what to say, and didn't dare look Sasuke in the face. Luckily, Naruto had found them.

"What happened up there? You guys came tumbling down! You look like shit, Sasuke."

Sakura had managed to stand up, and Sasuke was sitting in an upright position, glaring murderously at the blonde, but not saying a word. Somehow Sakura had been delegated to him as Naruto seemed to barrel on ahead.

Once again, the familiar sounds of whistles flew through the air, and an arrow landed right beside Sasuke, causing him to quickly rise from the ground. Sakura spotting Sasuke's Katana not far from them and pointing to it.

"We have to get out of range." Sakura panicked as Naruto knocked a few arrows out of the air. Sasuke in the meantime had managed to retrieve his weapon, immediately knocking some of the arrows out of the air as well as soon as his sword was in his hand, ready to use.

"Into the thick of the trees! We will be harder to spot. Weave between the trunks. They have the advantage of a downhill shot."

The three of them took off, this time a little separated as they quickly fled for cover into the trees. The terrain was much the same as before, but the further Sakura went, the quieter the whistles became.

Eventually the whistles stopped, and Sakura slumped her back against a tree trunk, her body screaming at her. She was desperately trying to catch her breath, and quickly realized that her, Sasuke, and Naruto were separated. Immediately her mind began to think of what to do next. She couldn't stay here forever, but splitting up was never the plan. Did she just continue forward? If anything, both Sasuke and Naruto had a better chance at finding her than she did at them, she tried to logically reason. Did that mean that maybe she should just wait there, even for a little bit? No... but she couldn't keep relying on them all the time!

Suddenly, Sakura heard twigs snapping beside her, immediately catching her attention. Before realizing it, she immediately clenched her hands into fists as a reaction, ready to try and defend herself in any way possible, however, a rough hand captured her fist easily, stopping her defense right in its tracks. Viridian met with the glow of red eyes that were transfixed on her as she realized who it was.

Sasuke had found her which brought both some relief and yet immediate anxiety to swell in a tight knot within her chest.

"Sakura's here, Naruto." Sasuke called, releasing Sakura from his grip as he moved away from her. Sure enough, Naruto appeared, clearly distressed, but relieved.

"We separated from each other farther than I thought. I'm sorry Sakura." Naruto apologized.

"It's okay." Sakura replied, her anxiety relieving. "Are either of you hurt? I can -"

"No." Sasuke quipped, sounding harsh in his answer. He was turned away from the both of them, but Sakura was sure that he was still observing their surrounding with his eyes.

"I'm okay. Are you hurt?" Naruto asked. Sakura shook her head.

"N-no… I don't think so. I'm okay." She replied, knowing that it was only because Sasuke had taken the brunt of their fall and that both of them had knocked oncoming arrows out of the way in their defense. If Sasuke was hurt, he was refusing to show any sign of it.

"Okay. Well, we are out of range. Hiashi isn't a big fan of coming out this way, at least, not without announcing it to the clan leader who manages these lands first." Naruto informed them. "We can finally take a breather."

"It's getting late." Sasuke stated, sheathing his katana.

"There is a smaller creek near here that branches off from the river. We will head there. It's still a little ways off though, but at least we can probably make a campfire tonight."

"Okay, let's go then," Sakura suggested, not wanting to stand still any longer.

"Hinata, what is the meaning of this?" Hiashi asked, the moment the doors closed to his private study. Hinata flinched at the harsh tone of her father.

"Father, I -" Hinata began. "I knew that as soon as Neji was home he would go after Naruto! I-"

Hiashi sighed, frustratingly rubbing his temples with his right hands.

"Do you understand the gravity of your actions? This could easily implicate you in this conspiracy! There were witnesses! This has created a difficult situation, and by the gods are you lucky that Lord Hashirama had just left beforehand!" Hiashi scolded.

"Father I will accept any punishment fitting of my actions!" Hinata determinedly answered.

"No," Hiashi continued. "The punishment is my own. For appearance sake however, you are to be confined to your quarters until two weeks time while I figure how to quell the situation."

"No father, you didn't have anything to do with this! I was willing to accept the consequences from the beginning! I-"

"Hinata," Hiashi interrupted, his voice firm yet somewhat softening. "You did the right thing. If you had not gone there, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke would have most likely been captured, and I would have to force my hand. However, there is only so much I can do to protect you, or Naruto. So, for the time being, you are to go to your quarters. Now."

Hinata bowed to her father, unable to say any more as she contemplated his demand. It seemed that there was more going on than she even understood, and Naruto had ultimately kept her out of the loop as well.

As she turned the leave her father's study and go to her room as her father had directed, she fingered the ring that was strung on a necklace around her neck, squeezing it.

It was definitely nightfall by the time the three of them reached the small creek that Naruto had mentioned was around the area.

Sakura hadn't realized just how parched she was until she stuck her dirty hands into the creek, the cool water stinging on her fingers. She quickly splashed some on her face before scooping some up in her hands to drink from.

"We can rest here." Naruto said, after cleaning himself up in the creek. Sakura was still sitting beside it, her body sore from the day's events.

She glanced up at Sasuke, wondering what was going through his mind. She had been silently wondering about it the whole way here. He didn't say a word, but his crimson eyes had once again faded to onyx. His expression was unreadable.

"I managed to pack up some dried seasoning and veggies. I can make a soup." Sakura offered.

"Okay, well then I will go grab some firewood." Naruto answered, dropping his travel pack unceremoniously on the ground and groaning as he stretched.

As the night settled in, there was a light breeze that sent chills down Sakura's body. Naruto did as he said, walking back into the thick of the forest from their little clearing to go find what Sakura assumed would be tinder and wood pieces large enough to sustain a fire.

Sakura shrugged off her own travel pack, unsure of what to say to Sasuke as the two had once again been left alone.

"Your left ear was cut." Sasuke stated, his voice low, and collected, unexpectedly causing Sakura to jump at his words. She tentatively reached up, feeling tried blood matted in her hair, and a slight sting as she touched the affected area.

"O-oh. I didn't notice." Sakura answered, before she began to rummage through her pack to find the food she had packed for soup. She would heal her ear later. It didn't seem that Sasuke was interested in saying more, but she heard him drop his own travel pack to the ground, before she heard his footsteps begin to depart. Suddenly she found herself slightly frantic, blurting out what she knew she should at least say.

"Thank you," She began, her voice portraying her unsureness. "For earlier, I mean. You didn't have to do that."

Sasuke's footsteps stopped, and Sakura dared to look up at him. His back was to her, but the slight turn of his feet and his frame to his left side towards her indicated that he heard what she said, and he replied,

"It was nothing."

He then continued heading off. Sakura was unsure of what he was doing, but for some reason, she didn't feel like she needed to worry.

"Where's that bastard off to?" Naruto commented, carrying what Sakura assumed was what they needed for a fire for the night.

"He didn't say… but I don't think he's going anywhere." Sakura answered.

"Just leave that stubborn ass be. He's probably in rougher shape than he's letting off. I'd just give him his space for a bit." Naruto shrugged before dropping the wood he had collected to the ground. "In the meantime, I'm gonna get our fire started! I'm starving!'

For the first time in what seemed like a while, Sakura gave Naruto a small smile. No matter what, the blonde always seemed to find a way to be lighthearted.

"Can you show me how to start a fire?" Sakura asked, quickly busying herself in an attempt to push her curiosity of Sasuke out of her mind.

"Sure, if you want to. Nothing exciting though." Naruto answered, as he plopped down to the earth, kneeling over the dirty and brushing away loose debris to make a starting point for the fire. Sakura kneeled beside him.

"I know, I just feel that it might be a good skill for me to learn is all." Sakura reasoned .

"Well, first we gotta make an area for the fire. Usually you want to make some sort of barrier to prevent the fire from jumping, like a basic circle of stone or rock, but we are on dirt so it should be fine." Naruto explained, beginning his instructions. "Then we want to start arranging the wood. Kind of like a hut. The base needs to be vented to allow air to easily flow in for the fire to feed off off.. Though once we have coals we don't have to worry about that as much."

Naruto began arranging the different sizes of wood he had gathered in a circular overlaying fashion, and Sakura understood what he meant by a hut design.

"You have to collect dried leaves and small twigs, or dry bark and such as well. The tinder is what kindles the fire after we create a spark." Naruto continued, settling a handful of something dry underneath his hut. "There should be two stones in the right pocket of my travel pack. Can you grab those for me?"

Sakura did as Naruto asked, standing from her spot and moving towards his pack, kneeling down to reach into the pocket he had instructed. She immediately felt to hard objects that were cold and rough, which were the items that Naruto had asked for. Pulling them from the pocket, she returned to her spot beside Naruto, handing them to him.

She watched as Naruto began to strike the two rocks against each other by the timber repeatedly, tiny sparks flying from the impact before suddenly, a small piece caught aflame. Naruto then slowly blew on the budding flame, quickly causing it to catch and grow.

Sakura watched as in a couple minutes, it seemed that their small fire was quickly going to grow to a reasonable, sustainable source of heat.

"We should probably check on Sasuke, and by we, I mean probably you." Naruto suggested, causing Sakura's face to flush.

"Why me?" she almost squeaked in response, unsure of why Naruto would suggest such a thing.

"You should have seen him earlier while we were looking for you. I don't have a death wish." He nonchalantly reasoned, almost in a tease.

"And I do?!" Sakura exclaimed, now completely uncomfortable with the idea.

"Nah, you'll be fine. Promise." Naruto reassured.

"Fine I guess, you big baby." Sakura huffed in an attempt to insult the blonde beside her, though she was still nervous. She stood from her spot, brushing off the imaginary dust (or maybe not imaginary, who knew it was dark) before slowly walking off in the direction that Sasuke had left.

She felt exposed, unsure of where Sasuke had gone exactly, or how far, but she would at least try. She walked a little ways, before recognizing the glow of crimson red, and a figure slumped against a tree, though she could hear desperately controlled labored breathing.

It was clear that he heard her approaching him because his attention almost immediately snapped towards her, his red eyes burning as they met Sakura's viridian. Sakura could see the glistening of sweat on his face in the moonlight, and his expression was defensive and a threatening scowl at best.

"What?" He snapped, causing Sakura to flinch at the harshness of his tone, but something deep in her chest told her that he didn't really mean it, and that he was trying to hide the pain behind his voice. He had lied. There was no way he hadn't been hurt earlier.

Sakura gulped. "Sasuke, let me… take a look at you. You don't look okay." She said softly, her voice hesitant as she slowly approached the Uchiha. His scowl did not lessen, but he did nothing to halt her advance towards him.

It seemed like an eternity before Sakura reached him, as she slowly kneeled beside him, her heart beating uncontrollably in her chest. Neither had taken their gaze from the other as the distance between them closed.

Based on his labored breathing, there was a good chance that Sasuke had probably damaged a rib or sustained some other kind of damage on his torso. Slowly, she raised her hands towards his torso, beginning to concentrate her chakra there to try and find the problem.

Sasuke didn't move, but he focused his attention elsewhere as he let Sakura look him over. This wasn't the first time that she had healed him, or been this close to him, and yet it affected him in the same infuriating way every time.

He wanted to push her away - he hated showing anyone any weakness, but there was just something about the softness of her presence that kept him from putting distance between them. It seemed that she was more perceptive than he was willing to admit, though he should have known as much.

It wasn't calculated, the way that he had lunged to push them both out of the way of that arrow, and he found himself wrapping Sakura close to his body as they tumbled down the steep hill, almost in instinct to try and prevent her from sustaining any damage. In doing so, he was pretty sure that he broken at least two of his ribs.

It was his own stupid fault, he had reprimanded himself. He refused to say anything about it, and would deal with it himself. He had sustained by far worse injuries in his lifetime, and countless scars to tell the tale.

However, Sakura had seen right through him. She invaded his walls, tearing them down without fail as she always did.

He wanted to lash out like a wounded animal, but instead, he allowed Sakura to come close to him. He stiffened when he felt her petite hands against his left side, her hands glowing green and healing him.

At first there was a sharp sting, and then a strange warmth as she found the source of his pain, two broken ribs on his left side putting pressure on his lungs, and then, the pain began to recede and dull into an ache.

Sasuke didn't say a word, looking away from her in an uncomfortable silence. What could he say? However, he was surprised when Sakura spoke first, breaking their silence.

"I really meant it, when I said thank you." Sakura softly admitted. Sasuke grunted in response.

"You don't owe me anything."

"Why… didn't you say anything earlier?" She asked tentatively, as she continued to work on Sasuke's ribs.

"I don't need you and Naruto protecting me." Sasuke stated simply.

"That's rich, coming from you." Sakura quipped in reference to him protecting them, slightly irritated at Sasuke's stubbornness.

Sasuke grabbed Sakura's wrists, their eyes once again locking. Sasuke read the shocked expression on Sakura's face at his contact with her hands, as they both stilled, and she stiffened, unsure of what his intent was.

"That's enough." Sasuke finally said, releasing Sakura from his grip. He had not been rough at all, but they were much to close. Sasuke could feel the tickle of her breath on his ear and neck, arousing a slumbering coil in the pit of his stomach. He could hear Sakura's erratic heartbeat.

"Sorry, I-" Sakura began to stammer, but Sasuke cut her off. She didn't have anything to apologize for.

"I'll head back in a minute." He stated, as he pulled away from her, standing up once again, his body stiff but feeling much better after the healing hands of the pinkette beside him. He didn't say another word to her, but he heard the soft patter of her footsteps as she retreated from him, back towards the campfire and back to Naruto.

No doubt he was the one who had put her up to this in the first place.

Didn't that idiot get it when he said that there would never be anything between them?

The last couple days had been anything but easy after everything that had transpired. After reprimanding both Hinata, and his nephew Neji at his brashness, Hiashi immediately traveled to the Senju capital to report on the last happenings.

It had taken time, but he had managed to quell any rumors within the Hyuuga about what was going on, and Hinata's interference. Luckily, it seemed that for the most part no one had seen Naruto and the others in their escape, other than Neji and his usual party of followers that he travelled with, and for the most part none of them had a single idea of what was going on.

His daughter had expected a much harsher punishment from him to his surprise, and Hiashi himself was surprised at her tenacity and forwardness. When had Hinata become so forward in such things? She had always been shy and timid. Were they always going to rely on others to fix this situation? How was it that the older, wiser ones were the ones left behind, allowing those younger to shoulder their burdens?

He reached the main palace in which Hiashi resided, brilliant in its splendor as ever.

"L-Lord Hyuuga! We did not know that you would be visiting us!" A guard stammered, stiffening to attention upon seeing the older man.

"I did not announce in advance my arrival -however I have urgent news for Lord Hashirama." Hiashi announced.

"Of course my Lord, right this way." The guard accepted, leading the Hyuuga ruler into the residence.

"I will inform Lord Hashirama immediately. It seems that he has much to do in his study involving matters of the clan today." The guard stated.

"Alright, I will wait, thank you." Hiashi replied. The guard then rushed off, letting an attendant know of the current situation.

Hiashi did not have to wait long, before a younger woman came to greet him.

"Lord Hiashi." She greeted. Hiashi immediately recognized her as Hashirama's granddaughter, Lady Tsunade.

"Lady Tsunade," Haishi bowed. "It's been quite a while since I last saw you. You haven't aged a day."

"You flatter me." Tsunade replied with a cheeky smirk. "My grandfather is this way. I will take you to him. I have a feeling that we have things to discuss, as I do, regarding Sakura Haruno."

"Sakura Haruno? You know of her?" Hiashi asked, curious as to the relationship Tsunade had.

"Indeed. She is my pupil." Tsunade answered as they came to two large doors that Hashirama immediately recognized as the entrance to Hashirama's personal study.

"Grandfather, Lord Hyuuga has come." Tsunade announced, as she opened the door.

"News about our current situation, no doubt." Hashirama called as the two entered the study. "You coming in person, without previous notice means one thing."

"Indeed," Hiashi admitted. "Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha have all fled into the Northern border of the Hyuuga lands."

The silence in the room was almost suffocating before Hashirama let out what seemed like a sigh of relief.

"Close the door, we will discuss this in private." Hashirama instructed. Hiashi then looked at Tsunade, unsure of how much she knew, but when she didn't budge, he did as his old friend asked, shutting the door. "Sit down."

Hiashi settled himself on a large chair beside Hashirama's desk, with Tsunade following suit.

"I guess for now, we are going to have to do fear control of the public." Hashirama began.

"Indeed. The Northern lands of the free tribes are governed by him, and you know how much he dislikes our politics and the conflicts of the Senju and Uchiha." Hiashi began. "I can have us try to continue to pursue them in the Northern territories, but it will take some time to negotiate passage with Jiraiya." Hiashi offered.

Hashirama shook his head. "No, don't bother. I have no intention of pursuing them at this point." He said, looking at Tsunade sternly. "As far public panic, the rumors will have to be squashed, but for now they should be contained within the Hyuuga. I will leave that up to you. As of current, the council is not aware that they have escaped into the Northern Lands, and we will have to leave it at that. It will cause the council to deliberate for some time about them. At that point, we will have no idea where they are."

Tsunade slammed a fist down into the coffee table beside her and Hiashi, causing the two older men to flinch.

"I can't believe you two, of all people let Sakura go with them!" She huffed irritatedly. "Sakura hasn't finished her training! What are you old men planning?"

"It was her choice, Tsunade," Hashirama reminded the stubborn blonde, his voice stern.

"Yeah, but -"

"If you are that worried about her, Tsuna," Hashirama continued, "Maybe you should go pay Jiraiya a visit yourself."

Tsunade frowned. She hated that nickname! She scoffed.

"As if."

Almost three days had passed since the night of Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke's first campfire. The terrain was more open in a sense, though still jagged and rough. After the first day, they finally emerged from the forest, into open plains and a large mountain range before them.

Heading North also meant that it was getting increasingly colder the more they traversed in that direction. Sakura found herself dressing with as much warmth as she could to brave the icy winds that were whipping through the plains that day.

Naruto still hadn't explained much, but he had told them that their first stop would be to a small village, one of the free clans to the North that he was well acquainted with. He was sure that they would be able to get a couple days rest there, think about their next course of action, and restock on some of their travelling supplies. He didn't divulge much information past that, and neither Sakura nor Sasuke bothered to ask at this point.

The three of them hadn't conversed much other than what seemed necessary - to be honest, Sakura herself was feeling weary and depleted. She was sure that none of them had slept well in the last few days, and each were on edge. Sakura had expended more chakra than she initially thought when she mended Sasuke's ribs, and neither of them mentioned that she had done so to Naruto.

"Aren't we a lively bunch," Naruto began, as the three of them were walking across an open field.

"The silence was fine." Sasuke answered without hesitation.

"I've been putting up with everyone's silence for three days." Naruto decidedly whined. "Seriously, is this how you are going to behave as travel companions?"

"We just escaped what we might as well consider death, Naruto." Sakura rolled her eyes, though her tone was more on the playful side.

"Well we can relax a little now, right?" Naruto asked, though the question was rhetorical.

"I guess that depends on where you are taking us." Sasuke inquired.

"Oh that! It's not much longer. We will be there by this evening." Naruto answered nonchalantly.

With that, silence fell between the three of them once again. It seemed that Naruto wanted to chatter more, but he must have admitted defeat when he didn't press the matter. It wasn't that Sakura wasn't in the mood for talking - in fact, she had wanted to ask Naruto how he was feeling about Hinata. He hadn't said a word about what had happened a few days ago, and if he had any worries, he was hiding it away. She made a mental note to try and ask him about it once they got to wherever it was that Naruto was taking them.

The sun was beginning it's descent into the sky by the time that Sakura noticed the smell of a fire, and smoke rising in small pillars in the distance. She could tell that whatever the source of the smoke was, it was distinctly patterned like they were rising from homes somewhat clustered together in an area that must have been below their current ground level.

They travelled closer and close, until the plains began to sink downward, and it was at the edge of this slope, that the three of them stopped for a moment, looking at the village down below.

"See. Told you I was taking you somewhere." Naruto finally chirped, a grin on his dirty face. "Also, I know Sakura will be fine, but Sasuke, be on your best behavior. That old man that lives down there is well… let's just say he's kicked my ass a few times and leave it at that."

Sasuke frowned, shooting the blonde a death glare, but he didn't grace Naruto's insult with a response.

The three of them began to descend down towards the village - it was simple, much like Sakura remembered her own village to be, but perhaps a little more so. Small pens of various farm animals were scattered around, and there were few homes clustered together, along with a water well that sat in the middle of the place. The houses were made of stone and wood, yet looked sturdy… most likely built to withstand the harsh winters that likely occurred here.

"The house furthest to the right. That's where we are headed. Let me do the talking, okay?" Naruto instructed. Sasuke and Sakura followed suit, neither of them voicing a complaint or concern.

When they finally reached the wooden door of the hut, Sasuke and Sakura stood a few feet back as Naruto approached the door, knocking on it. No sounds came from inside the house, but it seemed obvious that an occupant must have been inside since light was being emitted, and the smell of a fire going filled the nearby air as smoke rose from the stone chimney.

They heard footsteps approach the door, and the jangling of a lock before the door opened with a loud creak to reveal a grumpy looking older man with long white spiky hair, black eyes, and red tattoos on his face that ran from his eyes down. He was shorter and more stout, wearing a simple pale green robe and red tie with sandals. Sakura watched in confusion as the expression on the man's face first turned from seriousness, to disbelief, to what seemed like utter happiness upon seeing the blonde in front of him.

"Well it took you long enough you slow idiot!" Came the greeting of a deep voice from the old man, surprising the three of them that stood at the door.

Naruto groaned. "Figures you'd know." He muttered. The old man gave a hearty laugh, slinging his arm casually around Naruto.

"What fool do you take me for boy? Who taught you, after all." The old man teased. The welcome was heartwarming to Sakura as she watched a small, happy smile form on Naruto's face as he allowed the insults of his greeting. For a couple moments, Jiraiya ignore both Sakura and Sasuke who stood in front of them a little awkwardly, but after a deep sigh, and the serious look on his face settled in once more, his focus undoubtedly once again turned to them.

"Seems the reports were right when they said you had brought two others with you." He said seriously, though his tone did not indicate any threat.

"Yes, I did." Naruto admitted. "Right now, you are the only one I can trust, Jiraiya." The old man sighed, but gave both Sasuke and Sakura a small smile.

"Alright, all three of you come in before it gets any colder. You're letting the heat out of my house." He motioned for all of them to come inside, Naruto reassuring them with a motion of his hand to beckon the two of them to follow.

Sakura wanted to be hesitant, but she felt as though she couldn't resist the offer.

Once all four them were in the residence, Jiraiya shut the door behind them, locking the door once more.

He eyed both Sasuke and Sakura once more, looking over Sakura a little longer, though not in a way that made her uncomfortable.

"You must be Sakura Haruno, yes?" He asked finally, causing the pinkette's eyes to widen in shock.

"H-how did you know?" She asked, setting her travel pack down beside Naruto's.

"Naruto corresponds with me often, however, I knew your parents - I am sorry for you loss." he added, though almost hesitantly as he eyed Sasuke. Sakura had a feeling that he was aware of who he was as well, though he had not addressed it yet. "The pink hair is unforgettable."

"Oh, I see…" Sakura trailed off, a part of her wanting to question the older man more about what he knew, though she refrained from asking such questions at the time.

"And you," He continued, this time turning his attention to the Uchiha. "Sasuke Uchiha, ought to be dead where you stand." he huffed. Sasuke's expressed was controlled, and though the old man was blunt, there was no threat in his words. "If it weren't for these two, you would be."

"Sorry, I didn't tell you earlier, old man." Naruto apologized, seemingly having been on edge as to what Jiraiya might have done, but once it was clear that the old man had no intentions in mind, everyone relaxed a little.

"Put your travel packs down. Naruto, help me fetch more food. It's dinner time, and I'm hungry. Sit down and eat." The old man grunted as he barked orders at everyone. Sakura was unsure of where to sit, though the small modest wooden table in the room held four chairs, almost conveniently, as she heard Sasuke rustle around while he took his travel pack off and untied his katana from his waist. Feeling awkward, but not wanting to offend their assuming host, she made her way to the table, picking a seat to situate herself in as Jiraiya and Naruto disappeared into another room, talking in hushed tones.

Sasuke soon followed suit, though he had still not said a word as chose to sit beside Sakura. It was so strange to watch Sasuke do as he was told, Sakura almost thought amusedly, though she wouldn't dare ever voice that aloud.

Jiraiya and Naruto soon returned with more bread, hot soup, and dried fish.

"I'll hear the explanations after dinner. For now, eat." Jiraiya said, setting hot bowls in front of Sakura and Sasuke. Naruto settled himself across from Sakura, with an unconcerned expression as he nodded at Sakura to eat.

"Thank you." Sakura managed to humbly say, as Jiraiya finally sat in his own seat, beside Naruto. He didn't say anything in response, but Sakura knew that he acknowledged her thanks anyway.

Dinner was eaten in a awkward silence, but as soon as it seemed that everyone was done, Jiraiya instructed Naruto to clean up. It was also strange seeing Naruto take orders from the old man without a seeming complaint, though Sakura caught him mumbling something under his breath about 'old man' and 'still bossing me around' under his breath which almost made her want to laugh at his ramblings.

"I guess let's begin," The old man spoke, now that they had all eaten and could settle enough to talk. "I am Jiraiya. Naruto has been my student for a long time, so I have at this point heard stories about the both you," Jiraiya continued, "you especially, Sasuke." he added, looking at the Uchiha directly. "I know exactly who you are - probably too much - so tell me why, I should not hand you over back to the Hyuuga."

Sakura immediately tensed at his blunt question, and she could tell that Sasuke immediately tensed as well, though he kept his composure, and his expression stoic.

"I don't have a fabricated story for you to believe me with." Sasuke answered flatly. The old man once again laughed, as if amused.

"No, I suppose not, but a man like me has many ways to obtain information." Jiraiya answered. "I know of yours and Naruto's history, as well as the history of your clan, Sasuke."

At this, the Uchiha's expression changed to somewhat surprise.

"A long lost prince, brainwashed and lied to and turned into a ruthless killer sounds like a pretty tragic story to me."

"There is nothing tragic about being a ruthless killer." Sasuke answered firmly.

Jiraiya's demeanor that was lighthearted immediately changed into one that was serious. Naruto had seemed to sense this as he finished putting the mess of their dinner away before he returned to the dining room, leaning against the doorway the separated it from the kitchen. He was observing both Sasuke and Jiraiya.

"Reasonable words, indeed." the old man agreed. "The blood of those innocents will forever stain your hands. They will be your sins."

Sasuke said nothing in return to Jiraiya's words, but it was clear that he didn't disagree with the old man. It was obvious now, however, to all of them just how tense Sasuke was.

"Relax, boy," Jiraiya said, "I believe Naruto, and I have no intentions of turning anyone in, most of all you. After all, you're the only one that can atone for the sins of the Uchiha."

"My life alone could never atone for those sins." Sasuke replied.

"Satisfactory enough, I suppose." Jiraiya conceded, before turning his attention towards Sakura.

"I have to admit though, that this is most unexpected, to see you of all people, travelling alongside him." Jiraiya noted.

Sakura's breath felt stuck in her throat. Did that mean that he knew that Sasuke was part of the cause of the death of her entire clan? Of her father? Did he knew that he had taken her prisoner?

"I'm doing what I think is right." Sakura answered as calmly as she could. It was weird how the old man could interrogate them so casually, so directly, though without it being formal to any degree.

"I won't ask about it - I could not even begin to comprehend what led you to this point, only that Naruto talks highly of you, and that you must trust that dumbass more than I ever would." he commented with a slight chuckle, causing Naruto who stood behind him to frown at the insult.

"Naruto is someone I trust implicitly." Sakura reassured. "And I believe that Sasuke doesn't mean any harm to anyone other than those that deserve it," she added firmly. She didn't dare look at what kind of expression Sasuke might have had at her confession however.

"Forgiveness takes a large amount of personal strength." Jiraiya noted.

"No sir, I don't feel that I have any more personal strength than the next person." Sakura modestly denied. "But I am determined."

"I see." the old man contemplated. "It's late. Naruto, we have a lot to discuss tomorrow, so the three of you should get some rest. You all look like shit. I have two spare rooms. Sakura can have one to herself."

"Thank you." Sakura thanked, the old man grunted.

"If any of you so much as step one hair out of line though while in my village, you will have me to deal with." Jiraiya warned. With that, he mentioned something to Naruto before motioning to the blonde to follow him. The two of them disappeared into a hallway on the opposite side of the kitchen, Naruto giving both Sasuke and Sakura a quick reassuring glance before disappearing out of their view.

This left both Sakura and Sasuke sitting at the table in a bit of an awkward silence, as if unsure of really what to do next. Their host was more than accommodating enough, however it wasn't until they were left there that Sakura realized that he hadn't left any instruction as to where either of the spare rooms or even the bathroom was. Sakura glanced over at her travel pack, contemplating going over to it to rummage around in it to at least look like she was doing something, while she heard Naruto and Jiraiya talk quietly amongst themselves though she was unable to make out what it was that they were saying

As she about moved to push the chair out from behind her and stand, unable to bear the awkward suffocating silence between her and Sasuke any longer, he spoke, catching her by surprise.

"Even hurting those that deserved it wouldn't atone for anything," Sasuke began, referring back to her earlier comment about him. Sakura's attention turned to him, viridian eyes meeting onyx. Every time their eyes met, it was like an electricity jolted through Sakura, drawing her in.

"It's true that maybe it wouldn't," Sakura began in response, noticing the intenseness in Sasuke's gaze, and how strange it felt when his name rolled off her tongue as she realized that she had never really said his name much before, "But I said that because… I want to believe that's the only reason you'd cause anyone any harm again." Sakura was unable to look at Sasuke anymore as she finished her sentence, feeling a little bold at admitting such a thing as she really did get up to go over to her pack. At the very least she could start to put together some clean clothes as she had no intention of sleeping in someone's home with as dirty as she was.

She could feel Sasuke's gaze on her back as she did so and did her best to ignore how conscious she felt about it.

As if perfect timing, both Jiraiya and Naruto came back into the room, probably done discussing whatever it was that they felt needed to be discussed in private. Naruto seemed a little put off, but Jiraiya did little to reveal his feelings.

"I just realized that I did not tell you where your rooms are - sorry for that, Naruto is usually my only guest and I typically don't have to tell him those kinds of things." the older man apologized.

"Unfortunately I don't have a private shower - we are a small village, so we typically bathe in a nearby pond of water that the river runs into. There's a lighted pathway to it so you can go bathe if you see fit. As for your rooms, they are just down this hallway, the two doors on the right. I don't care who takes what rooms." Jiraiya continued. "Oh, and one more thing. No one is to enter my room, and I would prefer it if you didn't be too noisy. I'll be heading to bed now."

With that, the old man said his goodnight, giving Naruto one last stern look before disappearing into the hallway and behind his bedroom door.

"He might seem grumpy, but I promise you he's a spritely old perverted jokester." Naruto finally said after he was sure that Jiraiya had retreated.

"Perverted?" Sakura asked, wondering why Naruto would even mention such a thing. Naruto rolled his eyes.

"Don't even ask." He groaned. "Anyway, I sure as hell am hitting up the baths. I haven't bathed in three days. I don't even want to know what I smell like."

At this Sakura couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Naruto's lightheartedness. "Well the good news is, any stench is hidden by the strong smell of campfire… though I can't say whether it's really all that much better."

"Ah, I guess if you want to go first though Sakura, you can. That old man would rip me a new one if I forgot my manners." Naruto suggested. "I've got some things to scold Sasuke for anyway, ya know, guy talk."

At this, the Uchiha glared at the blonde.

"Thanks." Sakura accepted, glancing over at Sasuke who was glaring at Naruto.

"Just follow the left pathway, and you will see a sign that tells you which way is the bathing area. Jiraiya has the closest place to the baths which is both convenient, and slightly scary." Naruto joked. Sakura began to wonder if she should start taking Naruto's words about the old man's pervertedness seriously, but for now she would let it be.

"Okay. Well then, I'll be back in a bit." Sakura thanked once more, glad that she had found a clean change of clothes. She would have to wash all of her things tomorrow. With that, she grabbed her things and headed out the door.

Sasuke watched as Sakura exited through the front door of Jiraiya's home, shutting it behind her. He wondered if she would be okay on her own, but then again, it wasn't his place. If Naruto didn't seem concerned, should he? Why was he even thinking about it in the first place?

"Okay, I'm not really going to rip you a new one," Naruto admitted. "But we do need to talk. Anyone's barely said anything since everything's happened." Naruto began seriously. Sasuke really wasn't one for words, but whatever it was Naruto wanted to say, he knew that he wasn't going to hear the end of it, and if Naruto wanted to say it with Sakura around, he wouldn't of sent her on her way. "Let's go outside. We don't need to wake the old man up either. Trust me, that's a bad idea." Naruto almost cringed, as if remembered some sort of punishment that he might have received for doing such a thing in the past.

"Fine, then." Sasuke agreed, getting up from the table to follow the blonde outside. He watched as Naruto settled himself down on the grass in front of the home, a habit most likely from the time that Naruto must have spent here. Since their separation as young boys, Sasuke knew very little about what kind of life the blonde had led, but it was obvious that personality wise he hadn't changed much. He followed suit, settling himself beside Naruto, waiting for whatever it was that the blonde wanted to say.

"Are you mad… about Sakura?" He asked straightforward. This surprised Sasuke a little bit, although he had some sort of sneaking suspicion that the blonde was curious. Curiosity always got the better of him.

Sasuke was silent for a moment before answering. Yes? No? Why did Naruto care? Wasn't this her choice to begin with?

"No." He finally answered.

"What happened between you two? You might think I'm an idiot or whatever, but the tension between you two is so obvious it's almost palpable. Sakura hasn't said much about what has happened, and I mean obviously she was your prisoner there for a while. I don't think you necessarily mistreated her, but..."

Sasuke frowned. Had things really been that obvious? Naruto was perhaps being to naive though. He had threatened her life on more than one occasion - he had taken away everything that she knew all because the man who raised him, who made him believe that he was doing it for the good of Uchiha had expected it out of him. He had for the most part, been everything but civil towards her.

"She was my prisoner. I took the lives of people she cared about, and ripped her from her home." Sasuke answered. "Why she bothers to trifle with any of this, I don't understand." Sasuke wouldn't dare admit that he had no idea why she bothered to trifle with him, specifically.

Naruto eyebrows furrowed. There was no way he could fathom the complexities of their current relationship… if they really had one at all. "Well, to be honest, I don't understand it either… but oddly enough, I can't help but get the feeling that things are just… the way they are supposed to be. Honestly, I don't really care about it all… I just want everyone to get along. This war has caused suffering for so many - including the Uchiha too."

"Perhaps." Sasuke conceded, though deep down, he knew that Naruto was right. His parents… were even a casualty due to the greed and envy this war had brought. His brother was.

"You helped us escape. I know that guilty look on your face, and I can't even begin to touch the things you have to atone for, but I do know this Sasuke, you are my friend."

Sasuke snorted, giving a small smirk. This familiarity of Naruto's friendship was the first heartfelt thing that he had received, but at the same time the blonde was being way to mushy for his taste. Wasn't fists the way they had always settled things, not words?

"You're an idiot, for wanting to be my friend." Though it was an insult, there was no rudeness behind Sasuke's words.

"I don't go back on my word." Naruto retorted.

"Obviously. I can't shake your dumb ass."

The two settled between a more lighthearted silence for a moment.

"Well, whatever the tension is between you and Sakura, you guys should sort it out. At a minimum, you should man up and at least apologize." Naruto finally said.

"Do I look like I need advice from you?" Sasuke sneered, causing the blonde to chuckle at his glare. After Naruto finished his fit of amusement, his demeanor turned more serious.

"Things are probably not going to get any easier from here. This was about as good of an idea as I had." He admitted.

"You trust that old man?" Sasuke asked, his curiosity about their relationship getting the better of him.

"Considering that he was my master for years, yeah. He's no stranger to the war going on with the Senju and Uchiha. He knows who you are." Naruto answered. "For now, we can at least take a little breather, and sit and think. Everyone's a little rattled - even me."

It was then that Hinata came flashing into Sasuke's mind. He had noticed that Naruto and the raven haired girl obviously had known each other, and he wondered if what happened bothered the blonde. If it hadn't been for her, he wasn't sure that even with Naruto and himself fighting to escape, that they would have. However, Sasuke didn't have any interest in going back to the topic of women.

"Madara will hunt us down." Sasuke said flatly.

"Yeah, I know. I don't doubt it. After all, killing you would cover up everything about the Uchiha."

Sasuke knew that Naruto was referring to the truths that Itachi had revealed that day.

"We have to be ready."

For once, Sasuke felt a small amount of relief from everything. He hadn't even realized just how tense he had been - and still is. He had been acting instead of thinking, something that was very unlike himself. If Sakura was going to fight this war with him, how would he even begin to create a relationship between the two of them? Even as comrades?

The end of another chapter! Finally they are out trouble and things can settle a little bit. We will see some more developments between Sasuke and Sakura in the next few chapters, and I'm getting pretty excited about getting to write those parts.

Also, I hit 200+ reviews! I can't believe it! I am so pleasantly surprised! I can't thank you guys enough and I really appreciate those of you who have taken the time to leave me your thoughts - obviously fanfic writers don't profit off our work, but a review is a nice reward!